Adjustable corner sprocket linkage for multiple boring mining machine



June 28, 1955 J. 5. ROBBINS ET AL ADJUSTABLE CORNER SPROCKET LINKAGE FOR MULTIPLE BORING MINING MACHINE 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 15, 1954 INVENTOR. James S. Robbins Carl A. Wilms ATTORNEY June 28, 1955 J. s. ROBBINS ETAL 2,711,890

ADJUSTABLE CORNER SPROCKET LINKAGE FOR MULTIPLE BORING MINING MACHINE Filed Feb. 15, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 U r u w INVENTOR. James S. Robbins BY Carl A. Wilms y qm A TTOR/VE Y June 28, 1955 J. s. ROBBINS ET AL 2,711,890

ADJUSTABLE CORNER SPROCKET LINKAGE FOR MULTIPLE BORING MINING MACHINE Filed Feb. 15, 1954' 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 A ,,.n\\\\\\ 4/ N fifr N 8 l \q A "a:

I [A v u L n M" u o I a n l i u 1 0 u a a co a DO "-4 h \w W INVENTOR.

James S. Robbins BY Carl A. Wilms A T TORNE V June 8, 1955 J. s. ROBBINS ETAL 2,711,890

ADJUSTABLE CORNER SPROCKET LINKAGE FOR MULTIPLE BORING MINING MACHINE Filed Feb 15, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. James 8. Robbins BY Carl A.Wi|ms yw yq. W

A T TORNE V ADEUSTAELE CQRNER SPRGCKET LINKAGE FOR MULTIPLE EGRENG MLNKNG MACE-ENE James S. Robbins and Carl A. Wilms, Qhicago, HL, as-

signors to Goodman Manufachrring Company, Chicago, IlL, a corporation of Fllinois Application February 15, 1954, Serial No. 410,348

4 Claims. (@l. 262-9) This invention relates to improvements in multiple boring machines of the kind commonly known as McKinley type mining machines, wherein two radial boring members are rotatable on parallel spaced axes to cut contiguous overlapping bores in advance of the machine, and an auxiliary cutter chain is guided about horizontal cutter bars immediately behind the boring members to cut off the upstanding and depending cusps left at the door and roof, respectively, between two main bores. The cutter bars are usually extensible retractible vertically by power to facilitate Withdrawal of the machine from the working face. A machine of the general type above described is shown in the cope ding applications of James S. Robbins, bearing Serial Number 345,157 and Serial Number 399,519.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide an improved linkage means for lateral extension or retraction of the two end sprockets for the upper or lower horizontal cutter oars so as to provide additional horizontal and vertical clearance for rearward withdrawal of the machine from the working face, when desired.

Other objects of the invention will appear from time to time as the following description proceeds.

The invention may best be understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure l is a side view of a multiple boring machine to which the present invention is applied;

Figure 2 is an enlarged detail section taken generally on line 2-2 of Figure 1, showing the machine in boring position in a mine, with roof-supporting timbers in place adjacent the working face, and with the upper and lower auxiliary cutter bars and their end sprockets disposed in fully extended normal cutting positions, and with certain parts broken away;

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2, but showing the cutter bars and end sprockets in fully retracted positions;

Figure 4 is a detail section taken generally along line 44 of Figure 2.

Referring now to details of the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings, Figure 1 shows a mining machine of the type which bores a pair of overlapping continguous bores in a seam of coal or the like, and includes a main frame in mounted on crawler treads 11 for propelling the machine along the mine floor. An auxiliary frame 13 is mounted on the front end of the main frame and is arranged to be raised or lowered, as usual, by a pair of jacks i i, on opposite sides of a gear casing 15. The auxiliary frame 15 is also arranged so that it may be tilted forwardly or rearwardly by a pair of jacks 15. The gear casing 15 has extending forwardly therefrom a pair of laterally spaced power-driven shafts 17' which support boring members 13 arranged to rotate in timed relation to each other. A part of one of the boring members 18 is shown in Figures 2 and 3. The main frame ill has a longitudinally extending chain flight conveyor 19, as usual, for conducting fragmented material from the working face through a throat Ma to the rear of the machine. The general arrangement of parts previously menuse tioned are substantially as described in the copending application of James S. Robbins, Serial Number 391,493, so need not be more fully described herein, excepting as to the features which form parts of the present invention.

The cutting section of the boring members it; normally leaves an upper and lower cusp which are removed by an endless cutter chain 20, which is trained along the front of an upper cutter chain guide 21 and a lower cutter bar 22. The upper cutter chain guide 21 is mounted, as usual, for vertical adjustment relative to the auxiliary frame 13 by a pair of hydraulic cylinders 23 fixed on said frame having piston rods 24 fixed adjacent opposite ends of the upper cutter bar 21. Similarly, the lower cutter guide or bgr 22 is vertically adjustable by cylinders 25 and pistons 2 The cutter chain 2% is suitably driven by a sprocket 27 on shaft 23 extending from the front of the gear casing 15. Said cutter chain is guided over idler sprockets 3i and 31 at the left and right ends, respectively, of the upper cutter guide 21, as seen in Figures 2 and 3. From the left idler sprocket 39, the cutter chain is trained over a tensioning idler 33, thence over a guide roller 34 rotatably journaled about a forward hub on the gear housing 15, and thence over an idler sprocket 35 at the left end of the lower cutter chain guide 22-. After being guided along said lower cutter bar, the chain is trained over an idler sprocket 36 at the right end of said lower cutter bar, thence over a guide roller 37 similar to the previously mentioned guide roller 34, and thence to the drive sprocket 2'7.

The present invention relates particularly to an improved form and arrangement of linkage support for the two idler sprockets 3 and 31 at the ends of the upper cutter bar 2.1 the two idler sprockets 35 and 36 at the ends of the lower cutter guide 22. Since the same form of linkage mechanism is used for all of said idler sprockets, the description of the linkage associated with the right idler sprocket 36 of lower cutter guide 22 will suffice for an understanding of all four linkages.

Referring to Figure 2, it will be seen that sprocket 36 is journalled in the outer end of a swinging link 40, pivoted at its inner end to an extension 41 at the extreme end of cutter guide 22. When sprocket 36 is in fully extended normal cutting position as shown in this figure, the swinging link 4% extends at an upward and outward angle, so that the bottom of the sprocket is in horizontal alignment with the cutter chain 20 as it passes along the cutter guide 22.

The cutter bar 22 also has an upright bracket 42 spaced inwardly from the extension 41, in the form shown said bracket being formed in the shape of an open triangle. The swinging link 4% is connected to the upper end of bracket 42 by two links 43 and 44 pivotally connected to each other at adjacent ends by pivot pin 45. In the form shown, the inner link 43 is slightly shorter than the outer link 44 and is pivoted to bracket 42 as at 42a. The outer link 44 is pivotally connected as at Me to the swinging link approximately halfway between the sprocket 36 and its point of pivotal connection with the extension 4-1. As seen in Figure 4, the swinging link 40 is formed with integral furcations 41a, 4112 between which the adjacent end of outer link 44 is pivoted. The opposite end of outer link 44 is, in turn, formed with furcations 44a and 44b, between which the adjacent end of inner link 43 is connected by pivot pin 45.

The pivot pin 45 is extended inwardly to provide a common pivotal connection between links 4-3 and 44 and a generally upright operator link as. The last-named operator link is pivotally connected at its upper end to a pin 47 mounted on the gear casing 15 of the auxiliary frame 13.

As will be seen in Figures 2 and 3, the same linkage mechanism as just described is also provided forthe idler sprocket at the opposite or left end of the lower cutter bar or guide 22, and the two idler sprockets 3t) and 31 at the left and right ends of the upper cutter bar 21, but that, in addition, each ofthe two lower linkages for sprockets 35 and 36 carry movable deflector plates 50 and 51 (shown at the left side of these figures), to insure that the cuttings, which fall from the boring members and the cutter chains toward the mine floor, will be directed inwardly toward and through the open throat 19a for removal by the conveyor 19, and yet said deflector plates can be moved inwardly with the sprockets to facilitate withdrawal of the machine from the working face. The form and arrangement of defleeting plates 56 and 51 shown herein are for illustrative purposes, and form the subject matter of a copendlng application of Jerome C. Salmons, bearing Serial Number 468,003, filed February 3, 1954, owned by the assignce of the present invention.

The lower plate 59 is swivelled at its outer end on swinging link immediately to the rear of its sprocket (see Figure 4) and has a T-shaped slot a formed in its rear face for engagement by the head of a pin 50b fixed on a pusher plate 52 mounted on the cutter bar 22 in overlappin' relation with a fixed pusher plate 53' on the machine frame at one side of the conveyor throat 19a. The second movable deflector plate 51 has one corner pivotally connected by pin 51a to the upper outer corner of plate 50, and has a guide pin 51b ad acent its opposite end, slidable in an upright slot 510 formed in the pusher plate 53. The upper portion 51d of the plate 51 is preferably made of a semi-pliable rubber sheet, so as to flex when the plates 5t) and 51 are moved to the fully retracted position shown in Figure 3, and a maximum amount of lateral clearance is required, as for instance to pass by an upright prop 6%, as indicated in the latter figure.

The use and operation is as follows:

Referring to Figure 2, the mining machme is represented as producing a bore in a working face, which bore is defined by horizontal roof 55 and fioor 56 and side Walls 57, 57 shaped with outwardly bowed intermediate portions 57a cut by the boring members 18, and smaller upper and lower lobes 57b and 57c cut respectively by the upper idler sprockets 3t! and 31, and the lower idler sprockets 35 and 36, when the cutter bars are in normal cutting position as shown in tn1s figure. I

Inward retraction of the end sprockets is especially desirable to facilitate withdrawal of the machine from the face, as for instance when the operator wishes to perform adjustments on the boring members or cutter chains, or to tram the machine to another place In the mine. Also, under certain mining conditions, roof props 6t), 64) may be installed closely adjacent the rear of the end idler sprockets 30, 31 and 35, 36 (see- Figure 4), in which case it would be impossible to withdraw the machine from the working face without retracting said end sprockets inwardly toward their respective cutter bars.

It will be seen from Figure 2, wherein the lower cutter bar 22 is fully extended downwardly into its normal cutting position, the pivotal axes of the two links 43 and 44 of each idler sprocket linkage are held substantially in alignment with each other by the generally upright operator link 46 (the upper end of which is pivoted on pin 47 on the auxiliary frame 13), thus providing in effect a toggle arrangement to hold the swinging link 40 in laterally extended position. When the cutter bar 22 is raised as in Figure 3 to facilitate withdrawal of the machine from the bore, the upright operator link 46 serves to collapse the normal aligned toggle arrangement of links 43 and 44 so that the inner link 43 now assumes a generally vertical position and outer link 44 assumes a generally horizontal position, with the result that the sprocket 36 is forced to swing upwardly and inwardly to a retracted position, carrying the cutter chain with it, as shown in Figure 3. In this position, the sprocket and chain are brought within the lateral limits of the gear casing 15, affording ample clearance from the adjacent side wall 57 of the bore, and also an upright mine prop 60, if the latter is used as shown.

It will now be understood from the above description that the novel linkages for extending or retracting the idier sprockets at opposite ends of the cutter bars 21 and 22 are operated automatically in response to vertical extension or retraction of their respective cutter bars, thus requiring no separate actuating or control mechanism. Moreover, the connecting links 43 and 44 of each linkage are moved into substantial alignment with each other when the adjacent idler sprocket is in fully extended position, so as to provide a self-locking toggle arrangement when needed to hold said sprocket extended in its normal cutting position.

Although we have shown and described certain embodiments of my invention, it will be understood that we do not wish to be limited to the exact constructions shown and described, but that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

We claim:

1. In a mining machine of the type having a boring head and a pair of boring arms arranged to cut overlapping contiguous bores, a cutter chain guide adjustable vertically and having a cutter chain movable therealong to remove the cusp remaining from the action of said boring arms, a support for an idler sprocket mounted at each end of said cutter chain guide, said support being pivotally mounted on said guide so that sprocket may be moved into a position of alignment with said cutter chain guide, the improvement whereby said sprocket is moved into positions of alignment and retraction with respect to said cutter chain guide upon movement of said guide which comprises a pair of links which are pivotally connected together, one of said links being pivotally connected to said idler sprocket support, a fixed support adjacent the end of said cutter chain guide and having the other of said links pivotally connected thereto, and an operator link for said aforementioned links pivotally connected to said boring head and pivotally connected to one of the aforementioned links adjacent their point of pivotal connection to each other.

2. In a mining machine of the type having a boring head and a pair of boring arms arranged to cut overlapping contiguous bores, a cutter chain guide adjustable vertically and having a cutter chain movable therealong to remove the cusp remaining from the action of said boring arms, a support for an idler sprocket mounted at each end of said cutter chain guide, said support being pivotally mounted on said guide so that sprocket may be moved into a position of alignment with said cutter chain guide, the improvement whereby said sprocket is moved into positions of alignment and retraction with respect to said cutter chain guide upon movement of said guide which comprises a pair of links which are pivotally connected together, one of said links being pivotally connected to said idler sprocket support, a fixed support adjacent the end of said cutter chain guide and having the other of said links pivotally connected thereto, and an operator link for said aforementioned links pivotally connected to said boring head and pivotally connected to the one of the aforementioned links which is pivotally connected to said fixed support.

3. In a mining machine of the type having a boring head and a pair of boring arms arranged to cut overlapping contiguous bores, a cutter chain guide adjustable vertically and having a cutter chain movable therealong to remove the cusp remaining from the action of said boring arms, a support for an idler sprocket mounted at each end of said cutter chain guide, said support being pivotally mounted on said guide so that sprocket may be moved into a position of alignment with said cutter chain guide, the improvement whereby said sprocket is moved into positions of alignment and retraction with respect to said cutter chain guide upon movement of said guide which comprises a pair of links which are pivotally connected together, one of said links being pivotally connected to said idler sprocket support, a fixed support adjacent the end of said cutter chain guide and having the other of said links pivotally connected thereto, and an operator link for said aforementioned links pivotally connected to said boring head and pivotally connected to the aforementioned links at their point of pivotal connection to each other.

4. In a mining machine of the type having a boring head and a pair of boring arms arranged to cut overlapping contiguous bores, a cutter chain guide adjustable vertically and having a cutter chain movable therealong to remove the cusp remaining from the action of sail boring arms, a support for an idler sprocket mounted at each end of said cutter chain guide, said support being pivotally mounted on said guide so that sprocket may be moved into a position of alignment with said cutter chain guide, the improvement whereby said sprocket is moved into positions of alignment and retraction with respect to said cutter chain guide upon movement of said guide which comprises a pair of links which are pivotally connected together, one of said links being pivotally connected to said idler sprocket support intermediate said idler sprocket and its point of pivotal connection to said guide, a fixed support adjacent the end of said cutter chain guide and having the other of said links pivotally connected thereto, and an operator link for said aforementioned links pivotally connected to said boring head and pivotally connected to one of the aforementioned links adjacent their point of pivotal connection to each other.

No references cited. 

